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Cur sagittas, cur tela, RV637

Introduction

In his first period of sacred vocal music composition at the Pietà, Vivaldi pioneered the practice of inserting short solo motets (introduzioni) before major choral items such as the Gloria in the Mass or the Dixit Dominus at Vespers. The present introduzione, which belongs to a large group of Vivaldian compositions with a connection to the feast of St Lawrence Martyr, was in all probability composed in the 1720s or early 1730s for an institution other than the Pietà, and shows that Vivaldi was keen to extend the use of this newly invented genre. Since its key is B flat major, it is highly unlikely that it was designed to introduce one of the extant Vivaldi settings of the Gloria (RV588 and RV589), both of which are in D major. Perhaps it was linked to a setting, presumably by Vivaldi himself, in B flat major that was a partner to the surviving Kyrie in G minor, RV587. Although RV637 is not itself laid out for two cori, a reference to ‘organi’ (in the plural) in the autograph score implies that it was intended for performance in circumstances where the ensemble was divided.

From a close examination of the manuscript, it appears that the work originally consisted of two movements: an aria and a recitative. The first describes the soul’s combat with the powers of darkness, armed with faith, while the second calls on the aid of St Lawrence in the struggle. The word ‘Gloriam’ (accusative of ‘Gloria’) appears in the last line of the recitative as a ‘pre-echo’ of the first word of the main work. At a later stage, however, Vivaldi decided to lengthen RV637 by adding a prayer to the saint in the form of a slow aria. This caused him to replace ‘Gloriam’ (now made redundant) by ‘laeta’. The gentle lyricism of the added aria provides an effective contrast to the blood and thunder of the opening one.

Recordings

‘Another well-executed Vivaldi disc, then, from King, who with this series is showing that his good ear for the right singer is matched by innate symp ...'A magnificent disc' (BBC Music Magazine)» More

'For King's sterling service to the Vivaldian cause, one of his most important recording and satisfying projects to date, I am thankful' (Gramophone)'If you're waiting for the perfect collection of Vivaldi's sacred music, this is it. It was a happy day when this beautiful boxed set arrived in my m ...» More

Why, oh terrible hobgoblins, cruel, threatening, burning with anger, do you hurl arrows, weapons and fire at me? The soldier of hell does not frighten me; I care not for his angry attempts at me. I am strong, and defended by hope shall I conquer.

Surrounded on all sides by the arms of the enemy, I was in amiable peace. But to what do you direct your weak efforts? He fights for me; for me the right hand of Saint Laurence takes up shield and spear and now shines armed from heaven. Ah, the strength of my heart, you invincible and blessed right hand, assist me; if you fight with me, I will fight, and I shall joyously sing in your victory.